Patients can help doctors prevent errors

By GORDON J. RAFOOLGessler Clinic

Sunday

Nov 8, 2009 at 2:21 AM

Statistics show that in the United States, one of the leading causes of death and injury comes from medical errors. In fact, one study pointed out that 98,000 people die in the United States hospitals each year as a result of medical errors.

It is a common misconception that these errors are done intentionally. Unfortunately, these errors occur because of busy hospital settings.

One of the best ways to prevent medical errors is to be an active member of your care team. This means be sure to keep a list of medicines that you are allergic to, keep a list of medications you are currently taking, and keep a list of all your illnesses and diseases. These lists should be carried with you at all times. They should be in your billfold or purse so that they are readily available. The lists must be updated on a regular basis. These lists should include all over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, herbs, or any other product that you are taking internally.

Always ask before a procedure or medicine is given what it is, what it is for, is it related to any medication that you may be allergic to. It does no harm for you every time a medication is being given, or an invasive procedure is being done, to remind doctors that you are allergic to certain products. Before any procedure is done, be sure to identify yourself. Tell the doctors why you are there. Be sure that they know which arm or which leg is going to be operated on. Don't assume everybody is on the same page.

I have known patients who have put an X on the spot that is going to be operated on. This ensures that everybody is talking about the correct limb. When a physician sees a patient, they automatically see the error of concern as the patient's left or the patient's right. Sometimes, this can be confused. It is important that when they are talking about left and right that you be sure that they know it is your left or your right.

It is important for all patients to take responsibility for their health care. A physician knows health, but the patient knows their body. To be an active member of the health team, it never hurts to look up what condition you have. It never hurts to share that information with your doctor.

It is your body. You should treat it well and insists that it is treated well.

Dr. Gordon J. Rafool is a specialist in family practice and geriatrics at Gessler Clinic in Winter Haven.

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